Cairn Homes, one of Ireland’s leading residential developers, reported robust growth in the first half of 2026, driven by heightened demand amid a persistent housing shortage. The Dublin-based company sold 1,139 homes in the first six months, a significant rise from 708 homes sold during the same period last year.

The company attributed this surge to "exceptionally strong" demand across its markets, supported by ongoing structural undersupply in the Irish housing sector. Average selling prices, net of VAT, edged up to €393,000 from €387,000 in the previous year. Sales to first-time buyers, Cairn’s core market segment, increased substantially, with the developer holding eight new private launches over the period.

As a result, revenues for the six months ending June 30 increased by 60 percent to €455.5 million, while operating profits rose 75 percent to €74.8 million. Pre-tax profits climbed to €67.2 million, nearly doubling the €37 million recorded a year earlier.

Michael Stanley, Cairn’s chief executive, emphasized the company’s ongoing role in addressing Ireland’s housing needs. He highlighted that the group currently holds a sales and forward order book exceeding 5,000 homes across 30 active developments nationwide. Cairn anticipates delivering approximately 6,000 new homes by the end of 2027.

The strong first-half performance positions Cairn to reach the upper end of its full-year financial guidance. The company projects revenues near €1.08 billion for 2026, and operating profits close to €185 million, both representing significant year-on-year increases.

Founded in late 2014, Cairn Homes went public on the London Stock Exchange in 2015, raising €400 million in its initial flotation, marking it as the first Irish homebuilder to list in London in over two decades. The company subsequently secured a listing on the main Irish stock exchange in 2017 to broaden its investor base.

Alongside its financial update, Cairn announced an interim dividend of 4.5 cents per share payable in November and a €50 million share buyback programme. The company’s shares have gained 27 percent over the past 12 months, with a 4.5 percent increase to 234 pence recorded in London trading yesterday.

Analyst Edward Prest of Berenberg noted that Cairn’s strong growth in the first half positions it well to benefit from the favorable conditions prevailing in the Irish housing market.